Estimation is one of those math skills that students often overlook—until they realize how often they use it in real life. We often find ourselves figuring out if we have enough money for snacks, estimating the time left in a movie, or determining how many jellybeans we can fit in our mouths after a rough day at work. Estimation is a skill students will carry into adulthood. Unfortunately, many students struggle with estimation because they think math is all about exact answers. But estimation is about reasonableness, not perfection, and it can be a fun, low-pressure way to build number sense. That’s why Estimation Stations are such a hit in the classroom. These interactive, hands-on math classroom activities for estimation help students develop their estimation skills while keeping them engaged. If you’re looking for an easy way to get students excited about estimation, read on for instructions on setting up the ultimate Estimation Stations in your classroom. Why Are Estimation Stati......

Teaching middle school is no easy task. Teaching middle school math however can seem almost impossible to some (not me, but some). What if, on top of the middle school years being challenging behaviorally, emotionally, and academically, I told you that seventh grade is one of the most important years for students? In 7th grade, they enter the world of ratios and proportional relationships. Concepts like unit rate, percent increase, and equivalent ratios are like the foundation for more advanced topics such as algebraic expressions and linear functions. However, making these ideas stick with 7th grade students can be challenging. Why Math Worksheets Are Essential In this day and age, printable worksheets seem to have been replaced by technology. Don’t get me wrong; I love using technology well. However, worksheets or task cards are often underestimated. Grab the FREE Error Analysis Worksheets Here! They can be helpful tools for teaching seventh grade math ratios and proportional relati......

Let’s be real: finding professional development opportunities that are worth your time, energy, and budget as a middle school math teacher feels like trying to solve an impossible word problem. You know, the kind where they throw in extra information just to confuse you. If you've ever felt like you’d need to sell your firstborn just to attend a quality PD conference—or if you're tired of conferences packed with sessions that are mostly irrelevant to what you actually teach—you're not alone. Why Test Prep Is Important Standardized testing is nobody’s favorite part of the school year. But whether we like it or not, it’s a big part of how student progress is measured—and how schools and teachers are evaluated. As middle school math teachers, we’re on the front lines of helping students tackle these assessments with confidence. Here’s why test prep is so important: It Reduces Student Anxiety : Testing can be overwhelming for students, especially when math is involved. Focuse......